Job opening: PR mayor resigns

PRIEST RIVER — Priest River is in the market for a new mayor.

Kevin Wylie, who was sworn into office in January, stepped down on Nov. 1, saying could not fulfill the responsibilities of mayor while working full time. Wylie, who told the council at a special meeting, replaced Jim Martin, who served in the office for 24 years.

“I didn’t realize what it took day-to-day and I don’t have the time,” the former mayor said at a special council meeting called for the announcement. “I have decided to resign effective immediately.”

Wylie, who works full-time as the Public Works supervisor for the city of Oldtown, said it was not an easy decision to make.

His resignation was effective the same day submitted, Nov. 1. Wylie, who has kept his full time job while serving as mayor for the last 8 months, told Priest River officials that he decided to step down because the city deserves a mayor who could focus more of their time on the job.

Wylie won the seat in 2021, defeating Tim Simpkins by 10 votes, 166-156.

Council President Candy Turner has stepped in as interim mayor until a new mayor is confirmed.

Those interested in the position are asked to submit a letter of interest to city clerk/treasurer Laurel Thomas by 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the latest.

Those interested must have lived in the city for at least 30 days, are registered to vote, and are at least 18 years of age.

The appointed person will hold the position until the next city election, when the position will be up for a four-year term.

The position pays $800 a month. Thomas told the Bee that as of Thursday, she has not received any applications for the position.

The letters can be emailed to LThomas@PriestRiver-ID.gov. If mailing, Thomas said interested parties must ensure their letters are received, not postmarked, but received by Nov. 30 at the end of the business day. The letters should be addressed to 552 High St., Priest River, ID 83856.